Improving the doctor/patient relationship: a feminist perspective

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Feminist Health Studies
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Feminist movements since the 1970s have critiqued the traditional doctor/patient dynamic in mainstream healthcare.
• The women's health movement in Britain has aimed to implement feminist principles in healthcare delivery.
• A core objective has been the radical redesign of the doctor/patient relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the principles and practical applications of a feminist healthcare model.
• To evaluate strategies for strengthening and expanding feminist healthcare within the National Health Service (NHS).
• To analyze the experiences of feminist healthcare providers in the NHS.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach.
• Unstructured interviews conducted in 1987.
• Data gathered from feminist healthcare providers in various NHS settings in North West England.

Main Results:

• Exploration of the core tenets and implementation of feminist healthcare models.
• Identification of challenges and opportunities for feminist healthcare within the NHS.
• Insights into the practical experiences of providers advocating for a redesigned doctor/patient relationship.

Conclusions:

• Feminist principles offer a framework for a more equitable and patient-centered doctor/patient relationship.
• Strategies exist to enhance the presence and impact of feminist healthcare within the NHS.
• Further research and policy development are needed to support and expand these alternative healthcare models.